Definitions for critical
The adj critical has 7 senses? (first 6 from tagged texts)
(marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws; "a critical attitude")
(at or of a point at which a property or phenomenon suffers an abrupt change especially having enough mass to sustain a chain reaction; "a critical temperature of water is 100 degrees C
(characterized by careful evaluation and judgment; "a critical reading"; "a critical dissertation"; "a critical analysis of Melville's writings")
(urgently needed; absolutely necessary; "a critical element of the plan"; "critical medical supplies"; "vital for a healthy society"; "of vital interest")
(forming or having the nature of a turning point or crisis; "a critical point in the campaign"; "the critical test")
(being in or verging on a state of crisis or emergency; "a critical shortage of food"; "a critical illness"; "an illness at the critical stage")
(of or involving or characteristic of critics or criticism; "critical acclaim")
